STAKEHOLDERS’ ENGAGEMENT TO STRENGTHEN ADOPTION PROCESS

The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP), through the Central Adoption Authority (CAA), held a Stakeholders’ Engagement Meeting aimed at strengthening coordination, collaboration, and efficiency among key institutions within Ghana’s adoption process.

Delivering the keynote address, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, highlighted Government’s strategic commitment to strengthening adoption systems, ensuring compliance with national and international frameworks, and safeguarding the welfare of children through effective stakeholder collaboration. She described adoption as a critical child protection intervention guided by the highest standards of care, integrity, and professionalism, with the best interests of every child at the centre.

The Minister reaffirmed Government’s commitment to building the capacity of frontline officers, improving accountability and transparency, and strengthening adoption systems nationwide. She encouraged stakeholders to renew their collective responsibility to ensure every child in Ghana grows up in a safe, permanent, and loving family environment.

The Head of the Central Adoption Authority, Mr. Stephen Tikai Dombo, emphasised the purpose of the engagement, highlighting the need for structured collaboration, consensus-building, and a shared understanding of national adoption laws, policies, and procedures.

A presentation on stakeholders’ roles was delivered as part of the meeting, followed by a panel discussion on “Building Effective Collaboration to Reduce Delays in the Adoption Process,” providing institutions an opportunity to share experiences and propose practical solutions.

The session also featured a cultural performance by children from the Osu Children’s Home.

Closing the engagement, the Chief Director of MoGCSP and Chairperson of the Central Adoption Board, Dr. Afisah Zakariah, commended stakeholders for their participation and contributions, emphasizing sustained collaboration, adherence to procedures, and collective responsibility in strengthening adoption systems while safeguarding the best interests of every child.

Source: MoGCSP